A Generation Arose Who Did Not Know the Lord
Introduction. As “one generation passes away, and another generation comes,” (Eccl 1:4) massive shifts in outlook, ethics, and moral values sometimes occur. Of Joshua and his generation it was said, “Israel served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua.” (Josh. 24:31). For the righteous and holy these were times of rejoicing and peace. Yet as that generation gradually passed away, “another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord.” (Judg. 2:10). This happened again and again throughout the days of the prophets and kings.
Each new generation takes about 20-25 years to become the 2nd generation. Then, as they raise their own family, they gradually become the 3rd generation. Often even the 4th generation (60-75) and fifth generation (80-100) are still contributing and influencing. Thus, there are generally five generations on earth. Israel’s situation was unusual. All who were 20 years and older (Num. 14:29) rebelled against God and were cursed to die in the wilderness. During that 40-year period all generations except the 1st died. Children alive during Israel’s rebellion, were grandparents (40-60) when they entered the promised land. These were “the elders who outlived Joshua.”
The upbringing of their children was far different than their own. While these “elders” were children, they had lived as slaves in Egypt, saw the ten plagues, walked through the Red Sea, and witnessed the events at Mount Sinai. These early experiences helped mold them. Their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren had a vastly different experience. They had lived to experience the great wealth from the conquests, and the reality of prosperity, ease, and security in the Promised Land. The influence of the worldly nations around them began to exert its power along with the idolatry they had witnessed during their forty years of wandering. (Josh. 24:15; Amos 5:25-26). The freedom they gained in their new homes, away from the restraint of Joshua’s leadership also contributed.
Much of this was summed up in the warning Moses had given them: “when the Lord your God brings you into the land to give you large and beautiful cities which you did not build,” “houses full of all good things, which you did not fill,” “hewn-out wells which you did not dig,” “vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant,” ... “then beware, lest you forget the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt. (Deut. 6:10-15). They did not “beware” and they did “forget.”
We are witnessing something very similar today, not just in America, but throughout all of Western Civilization. During the days of the “greatest” (1901-1924), and the “silent” (1925-45) generations two world wars with the great depression between molded and formed their character. Through great deprivations, incredible sacrifices and terrible losses, they learned to lean on God to help them through it all. The majority of these people accepted God’s existence and reverenced the Bible as the Word as truth. But today, as in the days of Joshua, “another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord.”
Once again, there were many contributing factors. Like Sodom before us, the “baby boomer” generation (1946-1964) knew “pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness” which made them “haughty” and led to their “committing abomination.” (Ezek. 16:49-50). The years of prosperity and peace began in the 1950's. The sexual revolution followed in the 1960's. Medical advances created “the pill” followed by legalized abortion in 1973 which allowed 62 million pregnancies to end in the sacrifice of an infant (in the U.S. as of 2021). Technology created many “servants of steel” bringing us “fulness of food and abundance of idleness.” “Pride” grew and respect for authority dwindled as they called police “pigs” and proclaimed “don’t trust anyone over 30.” Other “abominations” also began to rise.
This new generation began taking their place as teachers, employers, leaders and even preachers in the 1970's. The new message in schools, businesses, government and even pulpits began to move away from Scripture, becoming ever more secular. What was called vice in the 50's has slowly become legal and accepted as normal. We now have a generation where adultery, prostitution, drug use, gambling and homosexuality are acceptable. Divorce rates have climbed as the sacred nature of marriage declined. Human wisdom and philosophy are slowly replacing Scripture. Respect for the Word of God as the truth has plummeted. Today we are beginning to see persecution against churches and Christians who still believe the Bible is inspired and every word, believed, preached and obeyed.
This is a challenging time for sincere servants of Jesus Christ. As the generation “of those who served the Lord” leaves the earth, they are being replaced by those who “although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” (Rom. 1:21). Our faith and convictions must be protected in order to stay strong and encouraged. In the past, we used Paul’s warning that “bad company corrupts good morals” (1Cor. 15:33) to warn against those practicing immorality and ungodliness. Now it must be broadened to include those rejecting inspiration and advocating ways to accept what the Scriptures themselves condemn.
To the godly, Paul’s words to Timothy have never seemed so pertinent: “in the last days perilous times will come.” “Men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power.” There is only one solution at times like these: “And from such people turn away!” (2Tim. 3:1-6).
Since the last days began with the gospel age (Acts 2:16-17; Heb. 1:1-3), this is not new. It has occurred again and again. What Timothy was facing in his day, we are now facing. We must be on guard against any “root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled.” (Heb. 12:15). What is happening to the world must not happen to the church. When preachers become weak on those Scriptures the world scoffs at, or brethren openly question Paul’s authority to give the commands of the Lord, a grave “root of bitterness” is in our midst and must be removed.
Many things condemned in Scripture have become so popular that Scripture is openly mocked and scorned. Now more than ever we must “‘Come out from among them And be separate,’ says the Lord. ‘Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.’ ‘I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters,’ Says the Lord Almighty. Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2Cor. 6:17-18; 7:1).
Jesus Christ is the Son of God! That is the Rock that cannot be moved (Mt. 16:16-18)! Jesus was “the Word who was with God and was God.” “All things were made through Him and without Him nothing was made.” (Jn. 1:1-3). Although in the flesh, nothing else changed! For all eternity, He is the Word who is with God and is God. He is now reigning over all at the right hand of God exalted. (Acts 2:22-28). Nothing anyone can say or do today can change this fact - “this is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1Jn. 5:4-5). As long as we hold fast to our faith, victory is assured!
Every word spoken by Jesus and recorded by His apostles in the NT is absolute truth. Those who do not believe this are manifesting doubt in Jesus’ words: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (Jn. 14:6)! When we read: “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free,” (Jn. 8:31-32), what is our response? Is there doubt or discomfort? If we have doubts about this, or are already moving away from it, we are leaving God behind: ““Whoever goes onward and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.” (2Jn. 9). It doesn’t matter how our faith is undermined, if we don’t fully trust the “teachings of Christ” and seek to go beyond them, we no longer have God.
Conclusion. As generations come and go, cultural norms will change. This has led to the world we once knew becoming unrecognizable. Yet Jesus and His Scriptures are absolute and have not, nor ever will change. If it is our turn to be persecuted for taking such a stand, let us welcome it as our spiritual fathers did before us. Even the apostles of Jesus were “rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.” (Acts 5:41-42). Never forget: “Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who are His,’ and, ‘Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.’” (2Tim. 2:19).
Each new generation takes about 20-25 years to become the 2nd generation. Then, as they raise their own family, they gradually become the 3rd generation. Often even the 4th generation (60-75) and fifth generation (80-100) are still contributing and influencing. Thus, there are generally five generations on earth. Israel’s situation was unusual. All who were 20 years and older (Num. 14:29) rebelled against God and were cursed to die in the wilderness. During that 40-year period all generations except the 1st died. Children alive during Israel’s rebellion, were grandparents (40-60) when they entered the promised land. These were “the elders who outlived Joshua.”
The upbringing of their children was far different than their own. While these “elders” were children, they had lived as slaves in Egypt, saw the ten plagues, walked through the Red Sea, and witnessed the events at Mount Sinai. These early experiences helped mold them. Their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren had a vastly different experience. They had lived to experience the great wealth from the conquests, and the reality of prosperity, ease, and security in the Promised Land. The influence of the worldly nations around them began to exert its power along with the idolatry they had witnessed during their forty years of wandering. (Josh. 24:15; Amos 5:25-26). The freedom they gained in their new homes, away from the restraint of Joshua’s leadership also contributed.
Much of this was summed up in the warning Moses had given them: “when the Lord your God brings you into the land to give you large and beautiful cities which you did not build,” “houses full of all good things, which you did not fill,” “hewn-out wells which you did not dig,” “vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant,” ... “then beware, lest you forget the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt. (Deut. 6:10-15). They did not “beware” and they did “forget.”
We are witnessing something very similar today, not just in America, but throughout all of Western Civilization. During the days of the “greatest” (1901-1924), and the “silent” (1925-45) generations two world wars with the great depression between molded and formed their character. Through great deprivations, incredible sacrifices and terrible losses, they learned to lean on God to help them through it all. The majority of these people accepted God’s existence and reverenced the Bible as the Word as truth. But today, as in the days of Joshua, “another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord.”
Once again, there were many contributing factors. Like Sodom before us, the “baby boomer” generation (1946-1964) knew “pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness” which made them “haughty” and led to their “committing abomination.” (Ezek. 16:49-50). The years of prosperity and peace began in the 1950's. The sexual revolution followed in the 1960's. Medical advances created “the pill” followed by legalized abortion in 1973 which allowed 62 million pregnancies to end in the sacrifice of an infant (in the U.S. as of 2021). Technology created many “servants of steel” bringing us “fulness of food and abundance of idleness.” “Pride” grew and respect for authority dwindled as they called police “pigs” and proclaimed “don’t trust anyone over 30.” Other “abominations” also began to rise.
This new generation began taking their place as teachers, employers, leaders and even preachers in the 1970's. The new message in schools, businesses, government and even pulpits began to move away from Scripture, becoming ever more secular. What was called vice in the 50's has slowly become legal and accepted as normal. We now have a generation where adultery, prostitution, drug use, gambling and homosexuality are acceptable. Divorce rates have climbed as the sacred nature of marriage declined. Human wisdom and philosophy are slowly replacing Scripture. Respect for the Word of God as the truth has plummeted. Today we are beginning to see persecution against churches and Christians who still believe the Bible is inspired and every word, believed, preached and obeyed.
This is a challenging time for sincere servants of Jesus Christ. As the generation “of those who served the Lord” leaves the earth, they are being replaced by those who “although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” (Rom. 1:21). Our faith and convictions must be protected in order to stay strong and encouraged. In the past, we used Paul’s warning that “bad company corrupts good morals” (1Cor. 15:33) to warn against those practicing immorality and ungodliness. Now it must be broadened to include those rejecting inspiration and advocating ways to accept what the Scriptures themselves condemn.
To the godly, Paul’s words to Timothy have never seemed so pertinent: “in the last days perilous times will come.” “Men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power.” There is only one solution at times like these: “And from such people turn away!” (2Tim. 3:1-6).
Since the last days began with the gospel age (Acts 2:16-17; Heb. 1:1-3), this is not new. It has occurred again and again. What Timothy was facing in his day, we are now facing. We must be on guard against any “root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled.” (Heb. 12:15). What is happening to the world must not happen to the church. When preachers become weak on those Scriptures the world scoffs at, or brethren openly question Paul’s authority to give the commands of the Lord, a grave “root of bitterness” is in our midst and must be removed.
Many things condemned in Scripture have become so popular that Scripture is openly mocked and scorned. Now more than ever we must “‘Come out from among them And be separate,’ says the Lord. ‘Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.’ ‘I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters,’ Says the Lord Almighty. Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2Cor. 6:17-18; 7:1).
Jesus Christ is the Son of God! That is the Rock that cannot be moved (Mt. 16:16-18)! Jesus was “the Word who was with God and was God.” “All things were made through Him and without Him nothing was made.” (Jn. 1:1-3). Although in the flesh, nothing else changed! For all eternity, He is the Word who is with God and is God. He is now reigning over all at the right hand of God exalted. (Acts 2:22-28). Nothing anyone can say or do today can change this fact - “this is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1Jn. 5:4-5). As long as we hold fast to our faith, victory is assured!
Every word spoken by Jesus and recorded by His apostles in the NT is absolute truth. Those who do not believe this are manifesting doubt in Jesus’ words: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (Jn. 14:6)! When we read: “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free,” (Jn. 8:31-32), what is our response? Is there doubt or discomfort? If we have doubts about this, or are already moving away from it, we are leaving God behind: ““Whoever goes onward and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.” (2Jn. 9). It doesn’t matter how our faith is undermined, if we don’t fully trust the “teachings of Christ” and seek to go beyond them, we no longer have God.
Conclusion. As generations come and go, cultural norms will change. This has led to the world we once knew becoming unrecognizable. Yet Jesus and His Scriptures are absolute and have not, nor ever will change. If it is our turn to be persecuted for taking such a stand, let us welcome it as our spiritual fathers did before us. Even the apostles of Jesus were “rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.” (Acts 5:41-42). Never forget: “Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who are His,’ and, ‘Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.’” (2Tim. 2:19).